Public access to defibrillation (PAD) means making AEDs available in public and/or private places where large
numbers of people gather or where people who are at high risk for heart attacks live.
numbers of people gather or where people who are at high risk for heart attacks live.
| What is Public Access Defibrillation? |
The automated external defibrillator (AED) is a computerized medical device. An AED can check a person’s heart
rhythm. It can recognize a rhythm that requires a shock. And it can advise the rescuer when a shock is needed. The
AED uses voice prompts, lights and text messages to tell the rescuer the steps to take.
AEDs are very accurate and easy to use. With a only a few hours of training, anyone can learn to operate an AED
safely.
rhythm. It can recognize a rhythm that requires a shock. And it can advise the rescuer when a shock is needed. The
AED uses voice prompts, lights and text messages to tell the rescuer the steps to take.
AEDs are very accurate and easy to use. With a only a few hours of training, anyone can learn to operate an AED
safely.
| What is an AED? |
| Support documents and other reference information |
Federal and most state laws provide "Good Samaritan" protection to properly trained individuals who come to the
aid of a sudden cardiac arrest victim. This protection is generally conditioned on the defibrillator being properly
maintained, and individuals being properly trained in its use. For these reasons, many professionals suggest that
the best protection is to implement a complete early defibrillation program that meets professionally accepted
standards. There is a growing consensus that having a defibrillation program may help reduce liability, by providing
treatment without which a victim will most likely die. Increasingly, lawsuits are being waged against organizations
that have failed to have access to a defibrillator when an emergency arose. In some states, certain organizations are
required to have defibrillators by law.
aid of a sudden cardiac arrest victim. This protection is generally conditioned on the defibrillator being properly
maintained, and individuals being properly trained in its use. For these reasons, many professionals suggest that
the best protection is to implement a complete early defibrillation program that meets professionally accepted
standards. There is a growing consensus that having a defibrillation program may help reduce liability, by providing
treatment without which a victim will most likely die. Increasingly, lawsuits are being waged against organizations
that have failed to have access to a defibrillator when an emergency arose. In some states, certain organizations are
required to have defibrillators by law.
| Can we be sued for having a defibrillator? |
Many states now encourage or mandate placement of AEDs in some locations such as schools and health clubs.
Their use has become so commonplace, that certain types of organizations have been sued for not having AEDs --
a trend many experts expect to see continue, as organizations increasingly find that the risk of having AEDs is
generally much lower that not having them.
Their use has become so commonplace, that certain types of organizations have been sued for not having AEDs --
a trend many experts expect to see continue, as organizations increasingly find that the risk of having AEDs is
generally much lower that not having them.
| Can we be sued if we DON'T have one? |
| How many defibrillators will my organization require? |
There is no exact rule to determine the number of defibrillators required for an organization. The goal of an early
defibrillation program is to achieve a 3-4 minute response time from the collapse of the victim to arrival of the
defibrillator and delivery of the first shock. Among the objectives of a site assessment is to determine the number of
defibrillators required, and the most effective locations for their placement. High-risk locations, barriers to access,
and other factors all must be considered as part of a complete site assessment.
defibrillation program is to achieve a 3-4 minute response time from the collapse of the victim to arrival of the
defibrillator and delivery of the first shock. Among the objectives of a site assessment is to determine the number of
defibrillators required, and the most effective locations for their placement. High-risk locations, barriers to access,
and other factors all must be considered as part of a complete site assessment.
| Who is most likely to suffer from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)? |
Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time. Although there are certain risk factors such as age, heart
disease, and other conditions, many victims of SCA have no prior heart problems or warning signs. Even children
have been victims of SCA.
disease, and other conditions, many victims of SCA have no prior heart problems or warning signs. Even children
have been victims of SCA.
| Emergency Care Training is an Authorized Provider of American Heart Association CPR and ECC Courses. |
| Automated External Defibrillator Programs - Frequently asked questions |
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